1993, Chamber of Commerce Award / 2007, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Madawaska Women in Business Network

What started off in a spare bedroom of the paternal house for Carole Beaulieu and her husband Gaëtan in 1984, flourished into Beaulieu Plumbing and Mechanical Inc. the successful business located in Edmundston, NB, presently employing over 80 people.

2011, Provincial Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award and numerous other awards

Lily Durepos is the 2011 Provincial Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner for New Brunswick. She is the co-owner of Alliance Assurance Inc. – with a head office located in Grand Falls and 10 offices/point of sales situated throughout the province.

In addition to owning Alliance Assurance Inc., this year’s laureate owns three other businesses – Advantage Financing Ltd, Place Broadway Limited (16 commercial offices, 163 000 square feet), and Keal Technology – (a manufacturer of technology for the finance and insurance industry with offices located in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.)

In 2008, Madelaine opened her second Best Western in Fredericton with 80 rooms. An additional 53 rooms have recently been added to host more guests. Moreover, both hotels are now recognized with the company’s “Best Western Plus” brand for their sheer elegance and comfort.

When asked to describe her business in three words, she says, “Quality, service and pride.” To explain quality and service, she is constantly keeping up with the current trends in technology and listening to client needs. “I read every comment card. We ask clients to fill them out because we genuinely want to improve.”

As for pride, “Our staff takes pride in cleanliness. They constantly strive for perfection and we are always working towards the same goal.”

Imagine a place where many different health care professionals come together to collaborate in order to help people find their path to optimal health. The calm décor and relaxing music exude a sense of wellbeing as soon as you walk through the doors. Dr. Carole Ouellette made this dream a reality by opening Grand Falls Chiropractic Wellness Centre on October 15, 2008.

WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR 2011The world of business is changing and more and more women are making their way in it. It is said that woman entrepreneurs make the workplace more human. They know what it’s like to have problems with childcare or sick children, and they understand the need for more flexible schedules and family-related leave. They say that, in general, women entrepreneurs are more willing to take risks and to be creative and imaginative. They are also excellent administrators because since the dawn of time they have been the ones managing the family.

2013, Business of the Year Award by the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick inc.

Transmed

Founded by Rachel Arseneau-Ferguson in October 1996, Transmed officially opened its doors on April 21, 1997, with four employees, three of whom are still with the company. Today, Transmed has a workforce of nearly 50, some 40 of whom work remotely throughout New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario, plus another two dozen freelance associates. According to the company’s owners, Transmed is the only company in North America that offers translation, medical transcription and audit services in both English and French.

Ergo-Consult-O.T. is the first and only privately owned occupational therapy clinic in Northern New Brunswick. Proud to offer services in both official languages, Ergo-Consult- O.T. focuses on prevention, intervention, consultation and rehabilitation in the work and home environments. Sophie Dupont, occupational therapist, founded this business in 1998. She is a pioneer in her field.

Angellie Doiron is the owner and operator of the Grand Falls Physiotherapy Clinic. This business offers physiotherapy services to the surrounding population and is the only clinic in the Northwest to offer work conditioning. The business’ client base is quite diverse and comprised of victims of automobile accidents, work incidents, sports injuries, post-operative orthopaedic conditions, work conditioning or all conditions referable in physiotherapy.

2015, Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the NB Association of CBDCs, and numerous other awards

Owner and founder of Bard Photography

Based in Grand Falls, the company specializes in the photography of newborns, children, seniors and weddings. As a photographer accredited in those fields, Jamie Bard-Dube has earned an enviable reputation by attracting customers from across the province. But where did her adventure start?

Marielle Nadeau Clair is co-owner and director of sales and marketing in the family-owned manufacturing plant in Clair, New Brunswick. Fiready Inc. processes a mix of hardwood species to 16 in length logs that are split, then kiln-dried, surpassing the heat-treatment requirements to certify insect and mildew-free packaged firewood.

Tina Lagacé-Rivard is owner of Lagacé-Rivard Law Office, located at 1318, Tobique road, in Drummond. Her story is truly inspiring for any women wishing to start her own business. Tina designed her business in terms of services that stand out, business philosophy, staff development, continued training, community involvement and, ultimately, work and family balance.

Sylvie Levesque's career path did not point toward such a quick leap into business. In 1994, she graduated in Business Administration from Université de Moncton and soon landed a job with the optometrists Albert and Boulay. She then held a position at National Bank in Saint-Quentin for over a year. Thereafter, she learned that a position was available with Groupe Savoie Inc. in the accounting department. Given her thirst for learning, she quickly moved up the corporate ladder.

Brigitte Cyr is originally from Edmundston. She is the wife of Sylvain Cyr and mother to two beautiful children, Vincent and Noémie. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Brigitte worked in the field of social work for approximately 17 years. However, over the years, while she was involved in her husband's businesses, she also wanted to start her own business and has since made a career shift.

Aurore Guerette fulfilled her childhood dream of being her own boss. Coming from a close family of seventeen, she is the owner and founder of Resto La Bonne Assiette. She originally opened her doors in 2006 as a small rural take-out but this savvy entrepreneur knew she had to be creative and innovative if she wanted to succeed in business.

It was Nicola MacNaughton’s commitment to excellence and entrepreneurial spirit that led her to found Occupational Concepts, one of the largest private state-of-the-art occupational therapy rehabilitation facility in Atlantic Canada.

Amanda Feindel is the owner and operator of The Cackling Goose Market in Sackville, New Brunswick.

Evolution GraphicsBernice Melanson“Evolution Graphics: Helping Clients Communicate Their Message to the World”Bernice Melanson opened Evolution Graphics, a full-service communications agency based out of Moncton, N.B. in 2007. This innovative company specializes in advertising, branding and marketing.

Comztar Commercial Properties has been developing and leasing industrial warehousing, commercial and office space for businesses for the last decade. President Cathy Sweet and her team of professionals are pleased to offer first-class customer service and help companies create the ideal space for their business.

2014, Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce

Paris Malenfant of Moncton is a very passionate and inspirational young entrepreneur. She was the recipient of the 2014 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce. Her past experience in sales, production and distribution combined with her true desire to make a difference in the lives of individuals motivated her to found WigsCan Inc in 2010.

2015, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the NB Association of CBDCs

Co-owner and CEO of Adorable Chocolat Inc.

Located at 395 Main Street in Shédiac, Adorable Chocolat specializes in handmade and high-end chocolate confection. Ginette Ahier established her own business, Choco-Cocagne, in 2008. It was then incorporated to Adorable Chocolat with chocolatier Frédéric Desclos.

2016, Phenomenal Woman AwardHow a San Francisco Born Company Grew in New Brunswick

Having grown up in Northern Ontario, moved to Melbourne Australia, Toronto and then San Francisco, Renée has made quite the turn to establish her startup focused agency, Onboardly, in New Brunswick back in 2012. Despite its seemingly distant connection to the valley, she has made strides in growing her company from the East Coast.

NB CBDCs 2017 Youth Entrepreneur of the Year AwardEmpowering, Educating and Pampering Women, All Under One Roof

Independently founded by Madelaine Caissie in 2012, Sparkle LifeStyle & MediSpa is the first of its kind in Moncton, NB. Focussed on empowering women to take charge of their health and wellness, their elite services such body contouring, skin tightening, nutrition and fitness coaching, and most recently vaginal rejuvenation and tattoo removal, are rendered by over 350 clients per month.

Natalie Cormier, co-owner Able Canvas, won on November 23, 2017 the Woman in Business Award of the Year 2017 by the Chamber of Commerce Cap-Pelé/Beaubassin-est

Able Canvas: They’ve Got You Covered

Able Canvas (2011) Inc. was founded by Natalie Cormier and her husband Berny. Their unique business is located in Grand-Barachois. Natalie always had an entrepreneurial spirit, coming from a long line of entrepreneurs. When the opportunity to purchase the original Able Canvas presented itself, Natalie seized the opportunity as she always knew that one day she too would follow this rewarding path.

April MacKinnon, owner and founder of Anointment Natural Skin Care Inc. began building her company's reputation for high-quality handmade soap and skin ointments at the Halifax Farmers' Market (Halifax, Nova Scotia) in 2002. In 2009, Anointment refocused its mission to serve the wholesale market and relocated to April's hometown of Sackville, New Brunswick in 2011. This exceptional entrepreneur is a former civil engineer, DONA-trained postpartum doula, and busy mother of three.

Andrée-Eve Talbot, winner of the 2017 Phenomenal Woman Award hosted by Business and Professional Women of Greater Moncton (BPW)

Andrée-Eve Talbot is a health services entrepreneur. She is the co-owner and co-founder of Holistic Underwriting since 2013, a franchise co-owner of ExamOne Maritimes since January 2014, and co-owner and co-founder of AtlantiCare Health Providers.

Kim Houlahan is originally from Brockville, Ontario but lived in Ottawa for 20 years before moving to New Brunswick in 2004. She holds as a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (Photography) from the University of Ottawa.

If you are looking for adventure and a family-friendly outdoor experience, Zelda’s River Adventures Ltd., New Brunswick’s first eco-friendly, electrically powered, disability accessible, 260 square foot pontoon boat is just the right experience for you!

Donna Walsh of Cricket Cove takes knitting to a new level. With a passion for knitting,this former nurse has a location in Black's Harbour that would amaze and impress the seasoned knitter or hobbyist the same.

One of the aspects of choosing a dress is the style and look. Lockhart’s is known for carrying the newest and most respected collections each season. Another important aspect is trust. Their professional staff wants to help each bride make their special day memorable.When asked to describe her vision, “I once considered multiple locations but when you do business models and measure against life balance, I like the flexibility and time to spend with my husband and children. We have room in our current location to grow.”

Diane Vigneault, development officer for the New Brunswick Association of CBDCs was pleased to present Rachel Cyr with the first ever Woman Entrepreneur Award for the Greater Bathurst region, at a lavish gala during Small Business Week.

Imaging walking into a place and smelling fresh bread. There is no better smell and no better feeling. This is a reality when you visit Irène Boucher, owner and operator of Aux Mille Herbes Produit Naturel, Inc., une entreprise située à Caraquet.

It is an undisputable fact that one of the fastest growing demographics in Canada is that of baby boomers approaching retirement, which accounts for approximately one-third of this country’s entire population.

2008, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award by CBDC Péninsule acadienne

Living in Caraquet, New Brunswick, Karine Wade gives life to photography. She specializes in the art of photography, is an expert in commercial photography for advertising and provides personalized custom services. Thanks to her friendly personality, Karine creates a climate of trust with her customers who realize that she has captured their memories with her wonderful photographs.

From a very early age, Nathalie Blanchard had the “entrepreneurial spirit”. Whether it was working as a health care aide at her Aunt Norma’s care home, running her own taxi company or working as a medical secretary for Dr. JM Michel, Nathalie was gathering a variety of experience that would serve her in the future.

Originating from the Italian word for “sweet tooth” Chez Goloso, a business specializing in homemade gelatos, is delighting taste buds. Friends Nadine Roy Cormier and Hélène Haché always knew that they would like to open a business together, but after a trip to Italy, their business idea became clear. They decided to take the Italian “joie de vie” and create a European experience right here in downtown Caraquet.

“Be Positive and Smile With Life”-Bijouterie Christine Dior JewelryFor 33 years, Bijouterie Christine Dior Jewelry has been a fixture in Dalhousie, New Brunswick. Owner Christine believes in creating a family environment among employees and clients and treating everyone with consideration and respect. Known for her positive attitude, Christine says, “You must always be positive and smile with life. If you are positive and see a challenge, nothing can stop you.”

2010, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award by CBDC Pésinsule acadienne, and other awards

Mrs. McGraw has worked for an International Chartered Accountants’ firm for 5 years before moving in the Tracadie-Sheila region. She is now a partner in an accounting firm in Tracadie-Sheila composed of 18 people and totalling 35 years’ experience.

In 2002, Olga opened the doors of the Coffee Stain. Lorne Daigle, quickly joined her team and they have been a dynamic duo ever since. The Coffee Stain has a friendly, open concept where friends sit at the counter for a home-cooked meal. It’s an old-style diner where the décor on the wall is representative of Bathurst and the owners know its history. When asked to describe the Coffee Stain in three words, Olga mentions, “Good food, great environment and reasonably priced.

It was in 2008 that her dream of becoming a sole proprietor became a reality as she acquired MJ's Sports Bar located at 969, Principale Street in Beresford. From renovations to innovations, MJ’s Sports Bar became a multifunctional place that you want to discover. It’s the place to go to relax, to have a snack while you listen to sports and socialize or even to celebrate during group meetings and special events. Her 10 employees are courteous and professional and the place is luxurious and immaculate.

2012, Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award by CBDC Péninsule acadienne

The Acadian Peninsula CBDC, and its partners were honored to present the Award of Young Entrepreneur 2012 to Ms. Amanda Larocque, owner of the company ‘Vertigo Coiffure et Esthétique’ of Shippagan.

Ms Larocque opened the doors of her hairdressing salon and aesthetics in 2001 and, over the years, she has built her clientele and an enviable reputation as well on the level of the hairstyle as aesthetics. Her success comes from her keen work and her perseverance. She also diversified her operations by offering a wide range of beauty products and the service of suntan.

Ms Larocque is very proud of this award. She also received a value of 6,000 $ in prizes, made up mainly of products and services for her business.

Client Driven Approach to Business Based on Honesty, Integrity and Respect

For over twenty years, Elizabeth Arseneau has been offering the population of Northern New Brunswick quality audiology services. She uses a personalized and client-driven approach based on honesty, integrity and respect.

Bay of Chaleur Autism Behavioural Centre Inc.: Making a Positive Impact in the Lives of the People they Serve!

In 2006, Nathalie Bryar founded Bay of Chaleur Autism Behavioural Centre Inc., located in Beresford, N.B. Bay Chaleur Autism Behavioural Intervention Centre Inc. offers behavioural intervention services for preschool aged children on the autism spectrum. Services can be offered at home, at daycares or even at their place of business. For preschool children, services are paid for by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Located in Caraquet, Lanteigne Sports is a family business that was founded in 1976 by Raymond Lanteigne and his wife Mériza. In business for over 35 years, Lanteigne Sports is in constant evolution. Their business specializes in the sale and service of the Ski-Doo brand and their off-terrain vehicle Can-Am. To complete the BRP products range, they recently add the Spyder and Sea-Doo lines. It is also the only company to offer Bombardier Recreation Products (BRP) in Northeastern New Brunswick. With increased demand from their clients, award winning Lanteigne Sports also sells and repairs 5th wheels, trailers and is forever adding new lines to their service offerings.

Isabelle Thériault is a multi-talented artist and instrumentalist. She began her career as a musical accompanist for various artists such as Sandra LeCouteur, Pascal Lejeune and Lennie Gallant before founding the musical group “Les Muses”. She then served as musical director for the ECMA winning group “Ode à l’Acadie”. As a dominant player in the cultural life of Acadia, Isabelle has served as artistic director for various productions, events and SOCAN circles.

Moving back to New Brunswick, while actively contributing to the economy of her community: This is a challenge that Diane LeClerc has successfully achieved. Her story is fascinating and will inspire more than one.

In 2014, Diane started her own company in Allardville, in the northeast of the province, where she was born. To listen to her inner voice, she decided to leave a steady job at the Zoo of Granby, Quebec, as an Animal Health Technician and Animal Keeper.

Carole Caron launched her business because she had a desire to work and live in her hometown of Bathurst and opportunities in her field of architecture were limited. Therefore, in 2007 she opened Aedifix Architecture Inc. In 2016, a young architect joined her practice and they modified their name to CLADinc (Caron Lagacé Architecture + Design). CLADinc now has five full-time employees (including two partners) and one part-time employee. Their mission is to make the experience of clients as simple as possible.

Southwest

2011, Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award2016, NB CBDC Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award2016, CBDC Atlantic Business Award of Distinction

Go-Go Getter Kara Hachey Is a Rising Star

Kara’s ambition has led to countless awards and recognition. Being a certified gymnastics coach and one of UNB’s elite MBA students, is a combination that ignited the idea for Go-Go Gymnastics Inc. It began in her New Venture and Entrepreneurship class that challenges students to develop a business plan. She and three group members introduced the class to the dynamic “Go-Go Gymnastics” plan.

Jennifer Estey is a young artist that is making waves in New Brunswick’s art scene with her new business. She is the owner of Estey Creations, offering fresh designs and fine art created by Jennifer herself.

2014, Femal Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the NB Association of CBDCs

When asked about the philosophy behind her business, Heather MacLeod - owner and operator of The Barking Lot - will tell you that to her, “a dog or cat is not just an animal, but a member of the family”.

Lulujo was founded in Fredericton in 2009 while Dawn Marie Pottier was on maternity leave. The idea of creating baby products gradually took shape after she made a wrap carrier to use for her newborn. She had no prior business experience and never thought she would one day start her own business. Five years later, her brand and products are known throughout the world.

Christy Arseneau is the owner and sole proprietor of Wanigan Consulting, located in Fredericton. With a "think global act local" mindset, Wanigan Consulting promotes excellence in municipal governance, change management and attainable environmental actions at the community level.

Located in Saint John, Heartbreak Boutique offers clients a mix of classic and quirky styles with modern and fun twists. Owner Pam Wheaton aspires to create an environment for everyone regardless of his or her size, shape, gender and ethnicity. Her ultimate goal is for everyone to feel safe and beautiful.

Northumberland

Building the home of your dreams can be an overwhelming process but Lori Smith, of Smith’s CustomCAD, located in Miramichi New Brunswick, makes this process a rewarding experience with her personalized approach and her expertise.

Hearing loss is something most of us attribute happening to senior citizens, but just ask anyone who has suffered a nasty head cold and they’ll attest to the discomfort of experiencing diminished hearing capabilities.

Becky Campbell is an inspirational woman who has been in business her whole life – from selling rice and cobs of corn to survive in Sierra Leone, West Africa, to owning a specialized boutique in the Miramichi, New Brunswick, her story is one of perseverance, optimism and vision.

The Medicine ShoppeTreena Richard“When it Matters Most.”Treena Richards of the Medicine Shoppe Built an Award Winning Pharmacy in the MiramichiTreena Richard, owner of the Medicine Shoppe’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at an early age, with her parents owning a family business. Born and raised in the Miramichi, Treena left for six years to pursue pharmacy and quickly returned to her hometown upon the completion of her degree. She wanted to be self-employed and own a pharmacy that focused on the patient and not on selling products such as soda and tuna fish.

Ten years ago, Genesis Salon and Spa “A Place for New Beginnings” was a dream come true for Sherry. She was now able to provide all of the services loved by women under one roof. Over the past 10 years, Sherry has grown from hairstyling and aesthetics to registered massage therapy and laser hair removal with a staff of 20 professionals filling the positions of 8 stylists, 8 aestheticians, 1 Registered Massage Therapist, and 3 receptionists.

Lisa Williams of UNICARE Home Health Care, describes her journey as a female entrepreneur as risky, challenging and completely life altering. At the same time, she says it is immensely satisfying with great rewards and opportunities beyond all expectations.